THUNDER BAY – The Ontario Government removed Frank Iacobucci as the lead negotiator for Ontario in the Ring of Fire.
David Paul Achneepineskum, CEO of Matawa First Nations Management (MFNM) has issued the following statement on behalf of the nine Matawa First Nations regarding the removal of Frank Iacobucci who has acted as the lead-negotiator for Ontario in the Regional Framework Agreement process:
“On the removal of Mr. Iacobucci as lead-negotiator for Ontario under the Regional Framework Agreement process, Matawa First Nations leadership were able to develop a positive relationship with him during his time of service. It is not within our responsibility to comment on the rationale behind the new government’s decision but we do look forward to working with Minister Rickford and Premier Ford in the future.”
The Regional Framework Agreement, a community-based process of negotiation related to mineral and other related developments in the area known as the Ring of Fire, was signed with the former Ontario Liberal government on March 26, 2014.
